The Container sitting at the retreat center, Anathoth.
Greetings to all in the name of our Lord! Cape Town is experiencing a wonderful winter – rain, rain, rain! We are thankful for this heavenly blessing and hope that the water restrictions will be lifted this year.
CONTAINER
After a lot of planning and packing, the Land/Sea Container was finally shipped. It arrived safely and was hauled to “Anathoth”, the Christian retreat center not far away. Originally, it was supposed to be set down in a space prepared for it on a bed of stone and bricks. But the truck hauling it could only unload the container sideways and so we had to make hasty arrangements.
Right away, as it was opened, there was a blessing. A young Christian man had arrived at “Anathoth” because he felt drawn there and he was surprised to see an entire container load of Bibles, books and teaching materials! After I inspected the first row of boxes, I hauled an old briefcase from the top layer, opened it and found it was stuffed with Bibles. I handed to the young man, who had helped with the boxes, and said this was his blessing from America. You could not wipe the smile from his face!
Already, many boxes of Bibles and Sunday School/VBS materials have been distributed. Every day, I get calls from churches and individuals who want God’s Word. Also, there was a donation of used computers, which I have been formatting and giving to families who don’t have one. Also, I don’t know who put in two boxes of French books but the Congolese refugees were beside themselves to have things in their own language! (My sincere thanks to the unknown donor – you have really gladdened their hearts!)
The Container will be temporary storage until a storage facility can be constructed at “Anathoth”. Then, the train from America to South Africa will be complete and the containers can be sent expeditiously.
My thanks to all those who packed, repacked, stored, sorted, hauled and labored so hard to ensure this container came. So many lives have been blessed because of your hard work!
CAPE BIBLE SEMINARY
Pastor David Swartz was ordained at a small church in Mitchell’s Plain this month. Dave was a regular student at the Cape Bible Seminary courses and decided to start a church in his area. It was tough work at first but he rented a small classroom and went from door to door in the area. I went to teach in this fledgling congregation a few times and it has really grown. Dave invited me to his ordination to give a keynote address.
Also, Pastor Kleber from Brazil was welcomed as a pastor in the Portuguese speaking church in Goodwood. He has been through very difficult times but in all, has remained faithful to the Lord. The congregation accepted him back as their pastor and the church continues to grow under his leadership. Pastor Kleber has been to a few CBS classes and I had taught in the church for several months a few years ago. It is good to see such spiritual strength and courage.
TRANSLATORS
Thompson Ntobie continues to use his new office and equipment to translate many lessons and outlines for the Cape Bible Seminary. At 85, he works hard all the time and it is difficult to get him to take a break. Simon Mainze, who used to assist Thompson, is still in hospital after a brutal attack that left him in a coma for a few months. We visited him there but his condition is serious. While his body has healed, he still has a huge memory loss. The doctors say that they are not confident of a full recovery. Simon needs your prayers.
FURLOUGH
It’s been three years. Now, the time for furlough is here. Once again, Mark Vernik (Lima, OH) is arranging speaking dates and times for me. I really don’t know how he does it so well and efficiently without tearing his hair out. I arrived in Chicago on Sept 5th 2008 and spoke first in Aurora (IL) and then Chicago that weekend. The church in Jenison (near Grand Rapids) provided a place for me to stay as a base as I travel around. What a joy it has been to visit with so many of you support the work in South Africa. It has been a real pleasure visiting the United States but am also eager to return to the work.
PRAYER LIST
Please pray for this coming furlough and that God’s Truth be proclaimed. Please continue in prayer for Dave McLaughlin and his cancer treatment.
Please pray for my mother, Jean Zimmerman, and her health. She is 90.
For all your prayers and concerns for the Lord’s work, many thanks. May God continue to bless each of you as you serve Him.
Steve and Pat Zimmerman
S.A. Christian Mission, Cape Town
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